Intelligent heterogeneous, mobile, Ad-Hoc communication network

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a Mobile Ad Hoc Network that possesses sufficient intelligence to handle a collection of devices that differ in terms of features either inherent to the device or the environment in which they operate. The different features inherent to the device may consist of different hardware and software technologies (e.g., combination of RF for transmission ability, processing ability, power supply, and interfaces). The different features of the environment may consist of any telemetry data measuring the state of the environment, as well as information regarding the MANet such as the density of devices in the vicinity of a device. Various applications are considered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/263,467 for Intelligent Heterogeneous, Mobile,Ad-Hoc Communication Network (filed Nov. 1, 2008, and published Sep. 27,2009, as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0238087 A1). Eachof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,467 and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2009/0238087 A1 is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,467 claims the benefit ofcommonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/984,456 for“Intelligent Heterogeneous, Mobile, Ad-Hoc Communication Network” (filedNov. 1, 2007.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,467 further claims the benefitof commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/984,494 for “TripleMode Redundant Communication Device” (filed Nov. 1, 2007).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,467 further claims the benefitof commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/984,486 for“Flexible Communication Device for Animal Collars” (filed Nov. 1, 2007).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/263,467 further claims the benefitof commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 60/984,462 for“Communication Device for Residential Telemetry” (filed Nov. 1, 2007).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a Mobile Ad Hoc Network that possessessufficient intelligence to handle a collection of devices that differ interms of features either inherent to the device or the environment inwhich they operate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks permit geographically dispersed devices to form acommunication network in which one device in the network typically sendsdata to another device in the network through other devices in thenetwork that form an ad hoc wireless or wired communication bridge.Various routing algorithms have been invented to efficiently construct acommunication bridge so that one device in a network can send data toanother device in the network, potentially a great distance away.

Some routing algorithms take advantage of limited heterogeneouscharacteristics of the devices in the network (such as power supply),and some algorithms possess intelligence to adapt the routinginstruction based on certain characteristics of the environment.

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks are finding use in a variety of applications,such as in disaster recovery/monitoring in areas in which thepre-existing communication infrastructure may have been destroyed,personal area networks that eliminate the need for wires, andmaintaining non-line-of-sight communication in remote areas.

As mobile communication devices become more powerful and common, thereis a need for a Mobile Ad Hoc Network that possesses a high degree ofintelligence to efficiently monitor the status of a great number ofmobile communication devices that differ along a wide variety ofdimensions that are either inherent to the device or reflect theenvironment within which the device is located.

The present invention develops a Mobile Ad Hoc Network and MonitoringCenter with the intelligence to efficiently handle the communicationneeds of a highly sophisticated collection of heterogeneous mobilecommunication devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a variety of mobile communicationdevices that potentially differ according to a wide variety ofcharacteristics. Examples of these characteristics include:

-   -   Physical characteristics of a device, such as power supply,        imbedded circuits, size, ability to accept data input or provide        output, amount of memory    -   Capabilities, including modes of communication (examples include        cellular such as CDMA and GSM, Satellite, Wi-Fi, and other RF to        support a Mobile Ad Hoc Network), ranges of communication    -   Current state, including whether communication is established        with other specific nodes, current algorithms for decision        making, current data cached    -   Current network role, possible network roles the device is        capable of accepting    -   Location    -   Association with specific data sources    -   State of immediate environment, including physical aspects such        as temperature, network aspects such as current traffic load,        strategic and tactical aspects such as likelihood of detection,        etc.

The invention describes one or more Monitoring Centers and their abilityto monitor and control a collection of devices with varying capabilitiesin an intelligent manner. Examples of such intelligence include:

-   -   Without human intervention, instruct devices to use specific        algorithms for deciding priorities among messages to transmit        and among paths to send messages    -   Regulate Network status and send instructions to various devices        to alter their role in the network

The invention describes a Network with various characteristics toefficiently route information for various purposes through a collectionof devices with varying capabilities. Example of Network characteristicsinclude:

-   -   A hierarchy in which different nodes have different        communication ability, and some devices are instructed to send        data to the closest device with a prescribed communication        capability    -   With a large number of nodes, a hierarchy that creates super        nodes, super super nodes, etc., to which manage communication        for sub-network layers under them    -   Messages are assigned different priorities based on various        features, such content, age of message, originating node,        message direction    -   Nodes may differ in terms of a description (such as a set of        characteristics) of which other nodes it can communicate with

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a multi-functional device that can be usedwith the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components within an individualdevice.

FIGS. 3a-3b illustrate types of devices that can be dispersed throughouta MANet invention.

FIG. 4 is a network diagram illustrating a MANet comprised of aplurality of devices in which each device is communicable with amonitoring center via a variety of RF protocols.

FIG. 5 is a network diagram illustrating a potential hierarchy of MANetsand monitoring centers.

FIG. 6 is a network diagram illustrating a potential hierarchy of MANetsand handheld devices that can be used in lieu of monitoring center(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provisional Number 1

The present invention encompasses an overall communication network andcomponents thereof that allows one or more monitoring centers tomaintain real time (or near-real time) awareness of the locations and/orother situational status of geographically (or logically) disperseddevices. The monitoring center(s) can issue instructions to the devicesto control the acquisition and transmission of data back to themonitoring center(s). The interaction among the devices and thenetwork(s) is very robust in that multiple radio frequency (RF)communication protocols can be utilized to achieve an unparalleledgeographic diversity that allows devices virtually anywhere in the worldto get and stay connected to the network.

The system described herein includes one or more networks, one or moredevices coupled with the one or more networks, and one or moremonitoring centers for sending and receiving data to and from individualdevices. Each of the components will be more thoroughly discussedthroughout this disclosure both separately and in combination with oneanother. Several illustrative examples will be described to highlightthe capabilities of the devices and system that comprise the invention.

Prior to discussing the specifics of the invention, it is helpful toprovide a glossary-like description of some terminology that will beused throughout this disclosure.

Term Definition Mesh Network A mesh network is a communication networkin which each node is potentially able to communicate directly withevery other node in the network, and in which messages are relayed fromnode to node as they propagate from source to destination. Typicallymessages traverse multiple random paths through the network. A meshnetwork may be complete, in which case each node is in directcommunication with every other node, or may be incomplete, in which casecommunication between some pairs of nodes is only possible throughmessages that traverse one or more intervening nodes. MANet MANet isshort for mobile ad-hoc network. A MANet is a communication network inwhich nodes may move (potentially causing them to lose directcommunication with some nodes and to gain direct communication withother nodes previously not within direct communication range), in whichnodes may enter or leave the network with passing time, and in which theset of direct connections between pairs of nodes changes over time. Amobile ad-hoc network shares with the mesh network the characteristicthat each node may potentially communicate directly with every othernode. GPS Global Positioning System (GPS) is the capability to usesignals from the system of US Government GPS orbiting satellites toestablish location in three dimensions through trilateration. Fordevices in service in the civilian sector, GPS includes the StandardPosition Service (SPS) offered through the GPS satellites and,potentially, assisted or augmented GPS (uses additional data to increaseprecision and accuracy of location). For military and some otherGovernment service, GPS typically includes Precise Position Service(PPS) capability, which utilizes additional information sent by thesatellites along with the SAASM cryptography architecture fordetermining location. RFID Radio frequency identification (RFID) is asystem in which radio-transmitting tags are attached to items of valuein order to facilitate identification. A tag is read by a scanner, whichtransmits a radio signal to the tag requesting that the tag transmitback identification information. The tags may be “active” in which casethey have their own power supply (typically a battery) or “passive” inwhich case the tags absorb energy from the radio signal sent by thescanner and use this energy to transmit theit identificationinformation, Typically, tags must be in close proximity to the scannerin order to be read—within a few meters for active tags, within a fewmillimeters for passive devices. TTL A tag, track, and locate (TTL)system is a system for attaching a tag to items or people and thentracking the tags (and attached items or people) or locating the tags(and items or people) at a later time. TTL systems may be used forcovert surveillance or for reconnaissance, or may be used in logisticsoperations to track inventory in transit and to locate inventory itemsin warehouses or supply dumps. Geo-Fencing Geo-fencing is thedefinition, of geographic boundaries for a device, Typically, crossing ageo-fence boundary triggers some action by a device. Communications Anetwork of communications links and nodes arranged so network: thatmessages may be passed from one part of the network to another overmultiple links and through various nodes. Communications network linksmay consist of hierarchical sub networks. Command-data Communicationsfrom the control center to remote devices Communication to changeoperational conditions comprising reporting time, output power, methodof transmission, text display, opto- electric indicators, audioindicators, and geo-fencing values. Satellite Phone Communications,either voice or data passed to/from a Communications modem or handset toan orbiting satellite as part of the satellite phone networks. SatellitePhone Instead of terrestrial a network for mobile phones and dataNetwork transceivers that connects to orbiting satellites cell sites.Depending on the architecture of a particular system, coverage mayinclude the entire Earth, or only specific regions. Backhaul In ahierarchical communication network this portion of the network comprisesthe intermediate links between the core, or backbone, of the network andthe small sub networks at the “edge” of the entire hierarchical network.For example, while remote devices may communicate with one another,constituting a local sub network, a connection, such as cellular orsatellite, between the local sub network and the rest of the worldbegins with a backhaul link to the core of the cellular or satellitenetwork. Situational Telemetry data comprising information from a localnode or Status device, such as temperature, vibration, shock, fuellevels, Information: engine temperature, oil levels, oil temperature,human or animal heart rate, location from inertial devices, chemicaldetection, etc. Also included are settings within the device itself,comprising current algorithms for decision making, current data cacherules current rules for communicating with other devices, along withhistory data or recent communications. FHSS Frequency-hopping spreadspectrum (FHSS) is a method of communication transmitting radio signalsby rapidly switching a carrier among many frequency channels of a givenband, using a sequence known to both transmitter and receiver.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a generic multi-functional device that canbe used with the invention. A multi-functional device can possessvarious characteristics. At its essence, it is capable of transmittingand receiving data using one or more radio frequency (RF) communicationmodes, including but not limited to, multiple cellular modes, WiFi, WiMax, and satellite. It should be noted that a device can also behard-wired or infrared linked to a network if the circumstancessurrounding the deployment of a device allow.

Since the primary purpose of a multi-functional device is to send andreceive data, if follows that the device can include additionalintelligence in the form of hardware, software, and embedded circuitryto support the primary purpose. A digital signal processor can serve tocoordinate incoming and outgoing data to the device as well as executesoftware application(s) that process data and control the various RFmodules that send and receive the data.

A device can include multiple RF modules such as, for instance, RFcellular modules such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM)module or a code division multiple access (CDMA) module, a satellitecommunications module, and a WiFi/WiMax module. Each of these modulescan operate independently of one another so as to provide RFcommunications ability virtually anywhere the module happens to bedeployed. Not every device need be equipped with a full complement of RFmodules, however, to create a network of devices that can communicatewith a remotely located central monitoring station.

In addition to RF communications, a device can include one or moresensors designed to gather data pertaining to the local environment. Anon-exhaustive list of sensors can include temperature sensors,microphones, location determination mechanisms (e.g., a GPS receiver).The sensors operate to gather data to be locally processed by the devicevia the digital signal processor. The data can then be forwarded to amonitoring center for further analysis and action.

A power supply can power one or more components within the device orindividual components can have their own power supplies. The devices canbe self powered (e.g., batteries, solar cells) or receive power from anexternal source if the deployment of the device allows.

FIG. 3a-3b illustrate types of devices that can be dispersed throughouta MANet. The size difference among the devices shown in FIGS. 1, 3 a,and 3 b indicate that smaller devices may contain fewer communicationmode options and can be used for different purposes as will be morefully described later. The devices may be grouped and deployed in such amanner as to create a mesh or MANet network like that described in thetable above. The devices may be characterized respectively as core,gateway, and fringe devices.

Devices may receive from associated sensors data about the currentenvironment of the device. Data may include location from globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver or various sensor information (e.g.,temperature, humidity, shock, chemical parameters, presence of specificchemicals in the environment, radiation levels, etc.), or may includeinformation input by human attendants, computers, or other systemshaving input access to a device. Devices can be associated with specificitems (in a logistics system), personnel or units (in a personneltracking system), but may also be stand-alone (as in a perimeterprotection or intruder-alert system). Information may be cached forlater transmission or streamed somewhat in real-time.

In a system implementation that includes a monitoring center, devicescan be capable of two-way communication with the monitoring center,either directly or through a MANet or other type of network (possiblyincluding multiple hierarchical network levels). Devices may havemultiple modes/channels through which they may communicate, and devicesmonitor some or all of these modes/channels for instructions from themonitoring center or messages to relay to the monitoring center.

Devices may also relay messages from or to other devices, functioning ascore or gateway nodes in the network. Devices may also change theirroles in a network depending upon network status and/or othercircumstances, and may have capabilities that they do not typicallyutilize but that are available when a role-change is effected. Devicesmay function as access points into the network (through input and outputports) for humans or other systems to send messages through the network.These messages may be unrelated to network or device state orenvironment.

Fringe devices or multiple hierarchical network levels are notnecessarily required, but a typical implementation will benefit from theability to include devices with minimal capabilities so as to minimizesize, maximize battery life, enable concealment, reduce overall costs ofmanufacture, deployment, or operation, etc. Such fringe devices willtypically generate situational data (location, sensor data, etc.) andcommunicate this information through the network to the monitoringcenter.

Relay devices are not necessarily required, but can benefit from theability to leverage the greater power and longer-range communicationcapabilities of a few relay devices to allow fringe devices without suchcapabilities to have multiple options for communicating with amonitoring center or with other devices distant in the network.

Devices can also have capacity to store programs containing algorithmsthat allow the devices to autonomously determine communication actionsbased upon current environment and network status. Devices may bepre-programmed before being put into service and may be configured toaccept re-programming from a monitoring center while in service.Programs may be complex and may have temporal components (requiringdifferent decisions based upon time/date).

Actions that may depend upon decisions based on situational data andprogrammed algorithms include, but are not limited to, operational mode,alteration of reporting schedules, rejecting or accepting messagesdepending upon security protocols, encryption/decryption of messages,routing of relayed messages, choice of communication channels, choice ofcommunication protocol (level of security, UDP packets v. TCP/IP v. SMStext messages, level of error correction, etc.), etc.

Devices may be associated into groups that should remain incommunication or otherwise maintain association, and if one or moredevices leave the association other devices or the monitoring center maybe notified. While devices are in association, their environments may besufficiently identical to allow sending situational data for only onerepresentative device, saving both network bandwidth and (if relevant tothe devices) battery life.

An additional area of intelligence can be a choice of role in a network.A device may apply situational data and programmed algorithms to changeits role in the network (core, gateway, or fringe node, or differentlevel in a multilevel hierarchical network, etc.), making this decisioneither alone or in concert with other devices in the network.

Specific physical characteristics of a device can include its powersupply, embedded circuits, size, ability to accept data input or provideoutput, and an amount of memory. Specific device capabilities caninclude, but are not limited to, current location, modes ofcommunication, ranges of communication, current state, including whethercommunication is established with other specific nodes, currentalgorithms for decision making, current network role, and possiblenetwork roles the device is capable of accepting. Some RF modes ofcommunication that can be implemented into the device 10 includecellular protocols such as GSM and CDMA for voice communications, andHSPDA, GPRS, EV-DO, EDGE for data communications, satellitecommunication protocols, and WiFi/WiMax communication protocols. Thevarious protocols can be utilized to send and receive data includingvoice, video, text and/or other data.

Devices (core, gateway, and/or fringe) in the network may includeinterfaces that allow humans to enter data or text messages andinterfaces with attached or embedded sensors (temperature, humidity,shock, salinity, pH, contents volume, etc.). Devices may also havedisplays or data ports that allow humans or other systems access to thedata and messages that is received or generated.

The network may further include intelligence at the device level inwhich each device is able to independently (without human or monitoringcenter intervention) follow prescribed logic to make decisions aboutwhen to send specific messages, through what mode or channel to send themessages, and to which other devices of the network to send themessages. These decisions may be based upon algorithms communicated tothe device through messages originating from the monitoring center, aswell as data the device receives about the status of the network, dataabout the device's location, data from sensors the device cancommunicate with, content of messages the device needs to communicate,and other situational factors about which the device has information.Intelligence may also allow devices to change their roles in the network(self-promoting from fringe to gateway node, for example).

As previously mentioned, devices may have attached or embedded sensorsthat measure environmental variables. Examples of environmentalvariables that sensors might monitor include temperature, humidity,shock, acidity or salinity (for sensors in water), presence ofbiological or chemical warfare agents in the atmosphere, fluid level ina tank. Devices may include the data from sensors in decisionalgorithms. For example, if an item must be stored within a specifiedtemperature range, the device may be programmed to contact themonitoring center when the sensor detects a temperature approaching theboundary of the range, so that an attendant may be notified to alter thestorage conditions. As another example, an infantryman's rifle mighthave a shock sensor that registers whether the rifle has experiencedshock of the magnitude and direction that indicates one round has beenfired. The fringe device attached to the sensor may then immediatelynotify a monitoring center that such an event has occurred, or may countrounds fired and when the total nears the total amount of ammunition thesoldier was issued, if notifies the monitoring center which passes theinformation on to an automated re-supply system which initiates theprocess for delivering more ammunition to the soldier.

The network may also include intelligence at the monitoring center levelthat (without human intervention) informs specific devices in thenetwork of preferred or prescribed paths through the network for sendingmessages. The monitoring center may base decisions about preferred orprescribed paths on its knowledge of locations of devices, capacities ofdevices, and current message loads for each device.

Devices may initiate messages that are intended for other devices in thenetwork (as opposed to messages intended solely for the monitoringcenter). Such messages may include information about network traffic,devices with which the initiating device can directly communicate,battery or other internal device status, sensor information that may beused by other devices in their decision making (about what messages tocommunicate when), text messages entered by humans with access to theinitiating device, or other messages (which may not be related tosituational awareness) generated by humans or systems with input accessto the initiating device.

The network may include as a communication link other, existingcommunications networks, such as the Internet, cell phone networks (andthe complete world-wide telephone network), or a satellite phonenetwork.

Devices can also be housed in a manner that matches its environment andits mission. This could mean enhanced weatherproofing for harsh outdoorclimates, miniaturization for more covert missions, etc.

Monitoring Center

The monitoring center is a repository (typically a database) ofinformation about the network, as gleaned from individual devices (andpotentially from other sources), along with an interface that allows auser (human or another system that needs to monitor and/or control thenetwork) to send instructions to devices (programming related toreporting schedules, setting priorities for communication channels,device operational modes, setting priorities for messages, etc.) andallows a user to receive information about the network, and possibly toreceive messages sent through the network that are unrelated to networkstatus. The monitoring center may be a computer system (computer,modems, Internet connectivity, software, data storage devices, etc.) ormultiple computer systems, or it may be another data repository andinterface system. The monitoring center may also include a call centermanned by humans.

There may be multiple monitoring centers, all monitoring and controllingthe same network. In this case, the devices are provided a protocol forresolving conflicting instructions from monitoring centers.

There may be multiple monitoring centers, each monitoring differentparts of the network. In this case, there may be a super-monitoringcenter which monitors the entire network, or the multiple monitoringcenters may be arranged in a hierarchy, or they may be peers. In anyevent, the network includes a protocol for resolving conflictinginstructions from monitoring centers.

The monitoring center incorporates intelligence in that (without humanintervention) it may instruct devices to use specific algorithms fordeciding priorities among messages to transmit, among paths to sendmessages through the network, etc. based upon algorithms programmed intothe monitoring center and upon information the center has received aboutthe state of the network.

A user with access to the monitoring center may engage in two-wayinteraction with any device in the network. In one implementation usingRF communication between devices, the monitoring center may beaccessible through the World Wide Web, and so a user may be anywhere inthe world. The devices comprising the web may also be anywhere in theworld, not necessarily in proximity with (or on the same continent as)the monitoring center. The user may be a human communicating through acomputer with a web browser, using a menu provided by the monitoringcenter to send instructions to devices, viewing maps and tablescontaining current responses from the devices. Real-time (or nearreal-time) responses from the devices allow the user to modifyinstructions in order to optimize the information received.

A second example of a user interacting with devices through a monitoringcenter is an automated re-supply system which uses the network tomonitor use of supplies by geographically dispersed consumers. In thisexample, the monitoring center user is a computer system (hardware andsoftware) that controls a supply chain. When the automated systemdetects that a consumer is running low on supplies, the system initiatesa re-supply order.

A third example of a user interacting with devices through a monitoringcenter is a tactical command center on a battlefield. In this exampleapplication, some devices are carried as soldier beacons and some areattached to equipment, arms, munitions, etc. The tactical command centeris able to monitor individual soldiers' locations, how much ammunitioneach soldier has, locations of vehicles, etc. through a monitoringcenter. There will be multiple tactical command centers in the theaterof action, and a central monitoring center receives information fromeach so that the theater commander knows the status of all his forces.At the tactical command centers, users are able to direct the individualdevices to report with specific information on specified schedules, tomaintain silence (to avoid detection), etc. Command center users may usethe network to issue orders through vehicle-mounted devices withinterfaces to laptops, handheld computers, or to view-screens. Users ofvehicle-mounted devices may use the network to communicate detailedinformation back to the command center.

Network

Some distinguishing characteristics are that the network comprisesmultiple node types (potentially arranged in a hierarchy) and thatcommunication about network status is two-way.

In one embodiment, the network may include nodes with differentcommunication capabilities and which function in different roles in thenetwork. Nodes may have the capability to perform in multiple roles andmay chose a role (or be assigned a role) based upon the current state ofthe device at the node and upon the state of the network (traffic invarious parts of the network, fragments of the network out ofcommunication due to movement or loss of one or more nodes, etc.)Specifically, priorities for assigning roles (or choosing roles) may bebased upon combinations of

-   -   Bandwidth    -   Range    -   Whether a node is also a monitoring center    -   Device capabilities    -   Cost of communication    -   Desired secrecy level for specific devices    -   Potential obstacles    -   Number of other nodes in range    -   Remaining battery power    -   Situational factors    -   Likelihood of detection    -   Likelihood of interception    -   Probable or observed ambient noise    -   Probable or observed jamming    -   Probable or observed spoofing

Other factors (likelihood of devices getting blown up or captured,tactical factors, etc.)

An example implementation of roles in a network based on security isgiven in FIG. 4.

Nodes' roles may be reassigned by nodes themselves, by a monitoringcenter, or by consensus among a subset of nodes (particularly anassociated group).

One example use of the hierarchy of nodes is to manage a large MANet. Ifthere are thousands or hundreds of thousands of nodes, it will be usefulto designate hierarchical layers of super-nodes, super-super-nodes,etc., which manage communication for sub-network layers under them. Asuper-node may store routing information for messages. Super-nodes maybe dynamically designated to form high-traffic volume conduits(“superhighways”) for moving messages between segments of the MANet orto and from the monitoring center. High-traffic volume may be attainedthrough re-packaging messages in data-compressed bundles (or otherrecoding scheme) or through use of higher capacity channels (higherfrequency RF or tapping into the Internet or using laser channels, forexample).

Messages may be assigned priority based upon: Content, Age of message,Originating node, Message direction (up to monitoring center or downfrom monitoring center).

These priorities create a hierarchy among messages that defines whichmessages are relayed when and through what channels.

Among other differences the present network differs from otherconceptual networks with situational awareness, including othergeographic location network systems, in that communication is two-way,and the devices at the nodes exercise intelligence with regard toreporting situational status.

The monitoring center (or other command center) may request statusupdates or issue instructions to node devices related to changingstatus, and node devices may initiate communication with the monitoringcenter to report status (initiated because of device-intelligentdecisions based upon programmed algorithms and current status, orbecause of human input to the device). In addition, node devices mayinitiate communication with other node devices (again because ofdevice-intelligent decisions or human input).

The network may include delay-tolerance if devices have on-board cachefor storing messages. The amount of tolerance may vary across thenetwork, may change over time, and may be explicitly controlled by themonitoring center or may be left to evolve based upon other parametersin the network (including connections between nodes, traffic, amount ofonboard cache, etc.).

Devices can typically have a choice of communication channels throughwhich they may transmit messages. They may choose an appropriate channeldynamically, depending upon the algorithm programmed into the device bythe monitoring center, message priority, and the current situation.

Many example implementations will use RF as a primary means ofcommunication. In these implementations, each device will typically havecapability to transmit and receive messages through multiple RF modes,including (i) cell phone modes (GSM modes, CDMA modes), (ii) satellitetelephone modes (Iridium or other satellite telephone network), (iii)wifi, either going directly into and through the Internet orcommunicating directly to a computer or hand-held wifi-enabled device,(iv) paging device frequencies, (v) short wave frequencies, (vi)unregulated frequencies, (vii) spread-spectrum frequency bands, (vii)any other frequency bands and communication protocols that enablespecific combinations of communication goals (including power savings,distance of communication, reliability of communication, detectionavoidance, communicating in challenging environments, etc). An exampleimplementation of WiFi or possibly a device directly connected to acomputer with internet access is depicted in FIG. 5.

Non-RF channels may also be implemented along with RF capabilities or inimplementations that do not include RF communication. Examples includewired communication, fiber-optics, laser or infrared carriers, chemicalor electrochemical signaling, quantum-entangled communication, or use ofestablished communication networks (such as telephone networks, theInternet, etc.). An example implementation of quantum-entangledcommunication is depicted in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 3a-3b illustrate types of devices that can be dispersed throughouta MANet and used with the invention. In general a device will consist ofa variety of RF and other capabilities, but typically a device willconsist of at least one RF to support a MANet.

FIG. 4 is a network diagram illustrating a MANet comprised of aplurality of devices in which each device is communicable with amonitoring center via a variety of RF protocols. As shown here, atypical configuration will involve heterogeneous devices that accordingto the combination of RF they possess. IRCD™ devices route data to andfrom the Mesh Tracker devices. Some Mesh Tracker devices can also talkdirectly to the Monitoring Center. Mesh Tracker devices can be scatteredanywhere around the world and form mobile networks.

FIG. 5 is a network diagram illustrating a potential hierarchy of MANetsand monitoring centers. A central command center or other intelligentalgorithm will ensure that each tactical monitoring center receivescurrent information regarding all devices in a MANet, even though eachtactical monitoring center only receives data from a subset of devices.The Central Monitoring Center ensures that all the Tactical MonitoringCenters have a complete picture of all the MANets even though they onlydirectly interact with one of them. The Tactical Monitoring Centersfunnel data from the Central Monitoring Center to the particular MANetand back. The Central Monitoring Center is where data is gather,analyzed, and sent along with device instructions back down to theTactical Monitoring Centers.

FIG. 6 is a network diagram illustrating a potential hierarchy of MANetsand handheld devices that can be used in lieu of monitoring center(s).Each handheld receives data from a subset or all devices in the MANet.In this illustration, the devices do not also report to a centralmonitoring center. No Monitoring Center available—each IRTD is ahandheld computer and receives data from and sends instructions to itsMITD's. The IRTD's also communicate so each is aware of the overallpicture.

Provisional Number 2—Triple Mode Redundant Device

A device with TMR (Triple Mode Redundant) RF communications channels foruse in transmitting remote location (GPS), sensor, or other telemetrydata back to a monitoring station and/or relay station. The device iscomprised of a GPS receiver capable of receiving GPS coordinates fromgeosynchronous satellites, a microprocessor for intelligentlycontrolling the device, along with three or more separate RFtransceivers for sending and receiving data between the device and amonitoring station or other devices. A monitoring station could consistof a Personal Computer or Laptop equipped with either RF receptionequipment and connections to the Internet, or could consist of a largeand complex monitoring center. A relay device could consist of anotherremote device with sufficient intelligence to relay information from onedevice to another.

The RF transceivers embodied in the device could be selected from a poolof devices, with the selection made on the basis of location, terrain,and distance to the monitoring station or other devices. One transceivercould be a preferred channel, while others could be used as back-ups oreach channel could be sequentially used or changed based on time-of-day,altitude, or other parameters.

Three embodiments are described herein:

Embodiment “A” could include one transceiver in the 27 MHz range,another in the 400 MHz range, and a third in the 900 MHz range. Thetransmission/reception characteristics of the three frequency bandsproviding a robust communication path back to a monitoring station orrelay device.

Embodiment “B” could include an GSM type cell phone transceiver, a CDMAtype cell phone transceiver, and a third transceiver with protocolsallowing for communication with other nearby devices.

Embodiment “C” could include a transceiver for communicating with ageosynchronous satellite network such as either the Iridium, inmarsat,or Globalstar networks, a cellular transceiver, either CDMA, GSM or amodule embodying both, and an RF transceiver with with protocolsallowing for communication with other nearby devices.

Embodiment “A” would transmit data through one or more standard RFtransceivers in the remote device back to a monitoring station or relaydevice.

Embodiment “B” would be transmit data through one or more of the thecellular transceivers in the device to the cellular network and arriveat the monitoring station via various data protocols and communicationpaths provided by the cellular networks, or the data could betransmitted through a non-cellular RF transceiver either directly to themonitoring station or to other devices which would either relay the datauntil it reached the monitoring system or make use of their cellulartransceivers to deliver the data to the monitoring station.

Embodiment “C” could transmit data either through the Satellite (Iridiumor other) transceiver to the satellite network via various dataprotocols and communication paths provided by the satellite networks, orthrough the cellular transceiver/s in the device to the cellular networkand arrive at the monitoring station via various data protocols andcommunication paths provided by the cellular networks, or the data couldbe transmitted through a non-cellular transceiver/non-satellitetransceiver either directly to the monitoring station or to otherdevices which would either relay the data until it reached themonitoring system or make use of their cellular or satellitetransceivers to deliver the data to the monitoring station.

Embodiments “A”, “B” & “C” could be used in conjunction with one anothersuch that the data could be relayed from device to device until asuccessful route could be found to the monitoring station. Further,transceiver techniques could be selected from any of the threeembodiments to create other combinations.

Provisional Number 3—Flexible Communication Device for Animal Collars

A device for incorporating electronic components for a remote locationand/or or other telemetry device into a flexible collar for a dog, cow,or other animal, where not all components are not candidates formounting on a flexible substrate. The device utilizes one or more RFtransceivers for use in transmitting remote location (GPS), sensor, orother telemetry data back to a monitoring station and/or relay station.The device is comprised of electronic components, some of which are of asize and package suited to mounting on a flexible substrate. Otherelectronic components are sufficiently large or require special metalshielding, making their mounting on a flexible substrate impractical.Described herein is a method for incorporating both types of componentsinto packaging that would be compatible with a collar. The components orsubsystems within the device are comprised of a GPS receiver capable ofreceiving GPS coordinates from geosynchronous satellites, amicroprocessor for intelligently controlling the device, along withthree or more separate RF transceivers for sending and receiving databetween the device and a monitoring station or other devices, along withantennas or shared antenna for the GPS and RF transceivers. A monitoringstation could consist of a Personal Computer or Laptop equipped witheither RF reception equipment and connections to the Internet, or couldconsist of a large and complex monitoring center. A relay device couldconsist of another remote device with sufficient intelligence to relayinformation from one device to another.

Four embodiments, “A” through “D” are discussed herein:

Embodiment “A” is a configuration in which batteries, large modules, orcomponents not suited for mounting on a flexible substrate are placed ona small, rigid circuit board. Attached to each end of this circuit boardvia common “flex circuit bonding techniques” are two additional circuitson flexible substrates such that there is a center “rigid” section,along with two flexible wings made up of the flexible circuitry.

The rigid section is encapsulated in plastic or metal enclosure whilethe flex portions are covered with leather, nylon, or other materialscommonly used in collars. Antenna wiring and components would becontained in the flexible portion. This design foresees the rigidportion of the device being iteratively reduced in size duringsequential revisions as more components are reduced in size or otherwisechanged to make them candidates for mounting on a flexible substrate. Atone stage the only rigid portion would be that of the batteries, withall other components located on the flexible substrate.

Embodiment “B” is a configuration in which only large modules, orcomponents not suited for mounting on a flexible substrate are placed ona small circuit board. Battery power would be supplied by batteries madeof materials sufficiently flexible that they could be attached to theend of, underneath, or on top of one or more of the flexible substrates.

Embodiment “C” would have a makeup similar to embodiment “A”, but withflexible circuitry on only one side.

Embodiment “D” would have a makeup similar to embodiment “B”, but withflexible circuitry on only one side.

Provisional Number 4—Communication Device for Residential Telemetry

A device for use in transmitting sensor, or other telemetry data, suchas “seal breakage” from pharma-packaging, or glucose readings from aglucometer, back to a monitoring station/server and/or relay station.The device is comprised of a microprocessor for intelligentlycontrolling the device, along with one or more RF transceivers forsending and receiving data between the device and a monitoring stationor other devices. A monitoring station could consist of a PersonalComputer or Laptop equipped with either RF reception equipment andconnections to the Internet, or could consist of a large and complexmonitoring center. A relay device could consist of another remote devicewith sufficient intelligence to relay information from one device toanother.

Two embodiments of this device are described herein:

Embodiment “A” of this device would include a transceiver capable oftransmitting data to either a local monitoring center or a local relaydevice. Additionally each device would serve as a potential relay devicefor other devices. This ad hoc network would enable data from distantdevices to reach the monitoring station through other devices in closerproximity to the monitoring station. As “seal breakage” frompharma-packaging, or other telemetry data is collected by a device, thedata is transmitted over the wireless network and passed from device todevice until it reaches the monitoring station where it could either bestored or uploaded to a remote server or centralized monitoring center.

Embodiment “B” of this device would include a cellular transmitter inthe device capable of transmitting “seal breakage” frompharma-packaging, or other telemetry data to a remote server orcentralized monitoring center. In this case the cellular service wouldbe transparent to the user, requiring no external cell phone. The cellphone accounts could be provided to users as part of the centralmonitoring package.

Current literature and pending patents describe technology that is “usedto collect information from a patient's home medical device throughBluetooth using a standard cell-phone, and then upload it to acentralized server.” This current technology falls short for largeinstitutional environments or customers without a cell phone or cellphone service. Embodiment “A” relates to the institutional environmentand alleviates any need for cell service and the costs associated withit. Embodiment “A” is also effective for environments where no cellularservice exists, but Internet service is available. Embodiment “B” is asolution for environments in which cellular service is available, butthe user has no phone or lacks the ability to interact with one.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A telecommunications system transmittingdata across a network of nodes having device components enablingmultiple modes of communications, the system comprising: core nodes inthe network in communication with a network monitoring center; fringenodes connected to the network; sensors connected to said fringe nodesand gathering telemetry data for the respective fringe nodes; gatewaynodes connected to said fringe notes on the network and furtherconnected to said core nodes across a backhaul; wherein at least saidgateway nodes and core nodes comprise at least one digital signalprocessor and respective non-transitory computer readable storage mediahaving programmed algorithms stored thereon that are executable by theprocessor in the gateway node or the core node; wherein said monitoringcenter receives said telemetry data across the backhaul and in responsethereto, said monitoring center transmits hierarchical instructions toat least one node on the network; wherein upon receiving saidinstructions from the monitoring center, the at least one node receivingthe instructions changes a network hierarchical status for the at leastone node.
 2. A telecommunications system according to claim 1, whereinsaid network hierarchical status comprises one of fringe node, gatewaynode, and core node.
 3. A telecommunications system according to claim1, wherein said instructions from the monitoring center comprise acommand to said at least one node to change a communications channel onthe network.
 4. A telecommunications system according to claim 1,wherein said instructions from the monitoring center comprise a commandto said at least one node to change a mode of RF communications on thenetwork.
 5. A telecommunications system according to claim 1, whereinsaid instructions comprise a message from said monitoring center andinclude said telemetry data.
 6. A telecommunications system according toclaim 1, wherein said instructions assign priorities for datacommunications to and from the at least one node receiving theinstructions.
 7. A telecommunications system according to claim 1,wherein said instructions assign delay tolerances for datacommunications to and from the at least one node receiving theinstructions.
 8. A telecommunications system comprising: a networkmonitoring center; at least one ad hoc network connected to themonitoring center across a backhaul on a network, said ad hoc networkcomprising network node devices in bi-directional communication acrossthe ad hoc network; wherein said monitoring center transmits commanddata to at least one of said network node devices to assign at least onecommunications channel to said at least one network node device; whereinsaid at least one network node device comprises at least one digitalsignal processor and respective non-transitory computer readable storagemedia having programmed algorithms stored thereon that are executable bythe processor to implement said command data; and wherein said channelassigns the at least one network node a role as a fringe node, a gatewaynode, or a core node in a hierarchy on the ad hoc network.
 9. Atelecommunications system comprising: a network monitoring center; atleast one ad hoc network connected to the monitoring center across abackhaul on a network, said ad hoc network comprising network nodedevices in bi-directional communication across the ad hoc network;wherein said monitoring center transmits command data to at least one ofsaid network node devices to assign priorities among messagestransmitted to and from said at least one network node device; whereinsaid at least one network node device comprises at least one digitalsignal processor and respective non-transitory computer readable storagemedia having programmed algorithms stored thereon that are executable bythe processor to implement said command data; wherein said command datadirects the at least one network node device to monitor channels forinstructions from the monitoring center; and wherein at least one of themonitored channels assigns the at least one network node device a roleas a fringe node, a gateway node, or a core node in a hierarchy on thead hoc network.